Welcome to part 4 of the “Meet the New Tigers” series. For those that haven’t read the previous three entries, we are working through the 2022 football commits starting at the lowest rated commit and working our way up. Today’s commit is an early enrollee, 3* linebacker, and Auburn High School graduate, Powell Gordon.
Only 107 days left until Auburn’s opening kickoff against Mercer! Let’s get to know Auburn’s newest edge/linebacker hybrid. Please subscribe if you would like to be notified each day when a new post goes up! Thank you so much to everyone who has shared and supported the blog.
3* Linebacker | Powell Gordon | 6’3” 210 lbs. | Auburn H.S. | Auburn, AL
Gordon is looking to outperform his ratings of 685th nationally, 64th at his position, and 30th in the state of Alabama. Admittedly his offer list was similarly weak including schools like Air Force, Vanderbilt, Duke, UAB, and eight other similar programs. Still, he has performed well at events like the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game. Going up against numerous offensive linemen committed to SEC programs Gordon often won his head-to-head matchups.
Recent years have not been kind to Auburn University in terms of getting players from local schools to stay home. Often college kids want to get away from where they grew up and it’s completely understandable. This was a big win for Auburn to start reaffirming the connection with the high school of the same name. Especially as Auburn High School continues to step up its development and performance.
Gordon will be a bit of a project for Auburn. He looks best on film when he’s playing the “edge” position and has a hand in the dirt. His superior speed and low pad level allow him to slide through the cracks opened by slower offensive tackles. Coming into the SEC he will need a little more bulk to his frame regardless of which position he ends up playing primarily.
Pros & Cons of Powell Gordon’s Film:
Pros:
Versatility. Gordon plays inside linebacker, outside linebacker, edge, and matches up against all types of players. The Auburn staff has a smart player with a lot of flexibility in how they can utilize him.
Monster in pursuit. Though I don’t know his top speed it is apparent that Gordon is quick; he launches off the line of scrimmage like a bullet and doesn’t stop moving until the play is done. It can be cliche to say this but he really does have a high motor. Watching his sacks he does a great job of finishing even on shifter quarterbacks.
Vision. It is impressive how well Powell can see what is going on even at the line of scrimmage where things can be chaotic. He has a few plays where you see him shift from the running back to the quarterback on a read play effectively shutting down all options. This allows him to be an absolute menace in the backfield.
Cons:
Size. He has a great frame at 6’3” but weighing only 210 lbs. he is noticeably lean for top-tier competition. The question is simple, can he add the necessary mass without losing the quickness and speed his game is predicated upon? This question becomes even more imperative if his future is really at the edge rusher position.
While he does a great job keeping linemen out of his chest with inside hand placement and arm extension, Gordon has a tendency of relying on his speed and ability to get lean (dipping his shoulder) to get by blockers. He needs to be more violent with his hand fighting and develop a few moves at the next level. If he can develop both a swim and spin move he’ll be a menace.
Finishes a little too high. When you’re 6’3” in high school it can be easy to simply wrap your long arms around somebody and smother them to the ground. However, in college where there are plenty of thick and tall quarterbacks, this will often lead to a highlight escape for a quarterback. Gordon is a very sure tackler but doesn’t always bring the heat or get low enough to run through contact.
2022-23 Impact Projection:
Depends. Will Gordon be used more as an inside linebacker or as an edge rusher? Both perhaps? Regardless, I think that he will see the field in some minor games before redshirting. He will be absolutely phenomenal as a scout team player bringing the effort and energy to every single play; linemen won’t get to take any plays off with Gordon firing at all cylinders.
Owen Pappoe has the “Mike” or Inside Linebacker position locked up. Additionally, it is time for the Steiner/Riley/Tisdol group to prove their worth. The staff is also looking to add another experienced linebacker through the infamous transfer portal.
The edge position is similarly loaded. Derick Hall is looking to solidify a day one draft grade, Eku Leota shined at times and has developed incredibly well, Dylan Brooks was one of Auburn’s highest rated recruits last cycle and looks to step into some action, and the staff is yet again looking to the portal or another edge rusher.
It is unfortunate for Gordon but immediate playing time does not seem all that likely. This should allow him to focus even more on the weight room and nutrition needed for him to fulfill his potential. As mentioned earlier, his drive and potential should earn him snaps in games like Mercer but I fully expect him to redshirt this season. My expectations are really high for Powell Gordon and he should be a testament one way or another to this staff’s ability to develop players.